Thinking of using a Sabine Phantom Mic Rider

[simondg]

I help with the audio at our small church, we are trying to retain a hands off approach during the service but need to mute the pulpit microphone when its not in use. I've been looking at using a Sabine Phantom Mic Rider. Does anyone have experience (good or bad) using this product.

Thanks

Simon

[snlgraham]

Isn't that what the mute button is for?

Sounds like you want an automatic mixer. Never used one myself but it is the kind of mixer you find in a hotel ball room or a board room. That Sabine thing seems pretty good but it would only effect one mic. An automatic mixer would effect every input.

[Brad Weber]

The Sabine phantom mic rider does not base the gating on the audio signal level like a gated automixer, it instead uses an infrared sensor to detect a physical presence in order to turn the mic on. One model also includes some DSP including a proximity effect circuit and an AGC that use the same sensor to judge how far the talker is from the mic and then apply a related level and frequency compensation.

Perhaps the general issue is what defines the mic not being in use for your application. That could determine whether audio, infrared or pressure sensing (as in stepping on a pressure sensitive floor mat) might be most appropriate.

[simondg]

Our plan at the moment is to disable the microphone when there is nobody behind the pulpit. The alternative of a pressure sensitive floor mat is interesting and something we should consider as an alternative.

It is what the mute button is for, in my experience only 1 in 10 people are capable of using the mute button.

Thanks

Simon

[waynehoskins]

Originally Posted by simondg

It is what the mute button is for, in my experience only 1 in 10 people are capable of using the mute button.

You'd think that any board op capable of mixing the service could figure out the mute button for the pulpit channel...

[ntravis]

Originally Posted by waynehoskins

You'd think that any board op capable of mixing the service could figure out the mute button for the pulpit channel...

I think the goal is being able to have the mic muted when not in use and unmuted when someone comes to use it without having someone sitting behind a board and mixing.

[simondg]

You got it ntravis, no board op. I was speaking of experience with service participants using the mute button, I reckon 1 in 10 can use it well and consistently.

[pdc]

Originally Posted by simondg

I help with the audio at our small church, we are trying to retain a hands off approach during the service but need to mute the pulpit microphone when its not in use. I've been looking at using a Sabine Phantom Mic Rider. Does anyone have experience (good or bad) using this product.

Thanks

Simon

This is a sad day when people cannot listen and flip a switch. I run into this all the time. We got a request for operator free system, for a 1500 member church, with 7 services (all different formats), with choirs, bands, etc, and nobody managing the stage. Uh....ok.

[[Director] drew ryan]

Originally Posted by pdc

This is a sad day when people cannot listen and flip a switch. I run into this all the time. We got a request for operator free system, for a 1500 member church, with 7 services (all different formats), with choirs, bands, etc, and nobody managing the stage. Uh....ok.

That is a recipe for disaster. Auto mixers can only do so much and they cannot trouble shoot.

It sounds like this service is very liturgical in nature and may only have 1 mic that needs to be on or off. That could be very boring for a volunteer to be responsible for.

[pdc]

Originally Posted by drew ryan

That is a recipe for disaster. Auto mixers can only do so much and they cannot trouble shoot.

It sounds like this service is very liturgical in nature and may only have 1 mic that needs to be on or off. That could be very boring for a volunteer to be responsible for.

We spent a bunch of time with the client, installed a Roland M400 system and a custom RS232 control pad, which recalls the service settings remotely. They have been forced to learn how to use a mic, how to balance themselves and their instruments acoustically (what a novel concept, right?). It is working without a sound man. They have offered to pay someone but no one will step up, so...they do what they have to do.